Malaysian Journal of Mathematical Sciences, June 2026, Vol. 20, No. 2
Exploring Geometry and Symmetry Concepts in Traditional Handicrafts of The Dusun Ethnic Group in Kiulu, Tamparuli, Sabah:
An Ethnomathematical Approach
Suali, M., Wong, T. J., Koo, L. F., Abdul Sathar, M. H.
Corresponding Email: melqv87@gmail.com
Received date: 11 January 2025
Accepted date: 15 October 2025
Abstract:
Mathematics and culture are interrelated things in human life. Culture is a way of life that develops and is shared within a community. Meanwhile, mathematics is the knowledge humans use to solve everyday problems. The use of technology in community life aligns with the development of cultural skills or environmental activities, symbolizing the advancement of mathematical skills within that society. The traditional handcraft is a heritage time immemorial, especially among the Dusun ethnic group in Kiulu, Tamparuli Sabah, as they used it in their daily activities, especially during the harvest seasons. This paper presents the appropriate geometric and symmetry concepts applied in the traditional handicraft products of the Dusun Kiulu community. This study employed a qualitative ethnographic approach using interviews, participatory observation, video recording, and documentation from the fieldwork to explore geometric and symmetry concepts in Dusun traditional handicrafts. The results showed that geometric concepts such as lines and angles, circles, transformations, and curved side geometry applied to the traditional handicrafts products, such as "Barait", "Sirung" and "Nurod" basket of the Dusun Kiulu community.
Keywords: ethnomathematics; cultural; Dusun Kiulu; handicraft; geometry.
